Hard to predict

The impact of seasonal conditions on restocker interest has been the major driver of Australian cattle prices over the past 12 months, and is continuing to make forecasts difficult.

The impact of seasonal conditions on restocker interest has been the major driver of Australian cattle prices over the past 12 months, and is continuing to make forecasts difficult.

The latest In Focus: Beef report from NAB Agribusiness says restocker interest is likely to keep prices up in the short term.

However, the Bureau of Meteorology outlook, for below average rain in key cattle regions with summer-dominant rainfall, has the bank predicting the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) could fall below 500¢/kg in 2018.

NAB agribusiness economist Phin Ziebell said the timing of any downturn was difficult to predict, amid erratic weather patterns.

‘‘Australian producers have enjoyed a great run, with the EYCI hitting record levels in September last year,’’ Mr Ziebell said.

‘‘Prices have trended downwards this year, but jumped again with recent rain in Queensland and NSW.

‘‘The bureau’s latest outlook for a drier than average summer in Queensland, the Northern Territory and northern NSW is likely to reflect negatively on cattle markets, if it comes to pass.

‘‘An eye to risk management for producers will be critical during the next few months so they are not overexposed to big price fluctuations, not just on the downside but also the upside if we do see some summer rain.’’

Slaughter data in September shows bulls and steers up 6.7 per cent and cows and heifers up 8.5 per cent year-on-year on a per head basis.

It is likely that October and November data will show lower slaughter, reflecting recent dynamics due to the weather.

Mr Ziebell said global trends were also likely to put downward pressure on Australian prices.